Interiors: The pros and cons of remodeling

Thursday

Aug 16, 2012 at 12:01 AMAug 16, 2012 at 4:16 PM

If you're considering remodeling, but can't decide if it's worth going ahead with or not, here are some things to consider. Remodeling isn't cheap by any means, but you knew that. A week's cruise isn't cheap, either, but you knew that, too. The question is, which would you prefer to spend your money on?

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann

If you're considering remodeling, but can't decide if it's worth going ahead with or not, here are some things to consider.

Remodeling isn't cheap by any means, but you knew that. A week's cruise isn't cheap, either, but you knew that, too. The question is, which would you prefer to spend your money on?

The cruise sounds great and you will have all those pictures and memories for years and years to come. But then, the actual cruise is over in a week or so.

Now let's look at remodeling. Is your house currently pretty functional as is? Perhaps just a little sprucing will do, and then you can still go on that cruise, maybe a weekend one instead of the full week.

But what if the remodeling is truly necessary? Let's consider what "truly" means. Are you trying to keep up with the neighbors, or do you really want to upgrade for yourself? Perhaps a little of both? Sometimes a big remodeling job is so expensive you might be better off moving to a new home that is newer and already upgraded. Consider all the possibilities.

Think about the cost of remodeling. Can you afford it? Is the house income secure and steady enough without worry of layoffs or cutbacks? Remember that once you start, you can't turn back, so be sure your finances are secure. A good architect and a good building contractor are worth the money, so don't skimp when it comes to choosing them.

Consider how long you intend to stay in this house. If you plan to stay there for the rest of your life, then remodeling it is a good idea. But if you only plan on staying for, say, another two to five years, you might consider simple improvements or simple remodeling for your enjoyment and for resale value.

So let's say you choose to remodel, and skip that vacation for now. Realize that the remodeling process will be messy, inconvenient, frustrating and filled with disappointments -- some small and maybe some not so small.

The process will take longer than estimated, so don't expect the "six-month" project to actually be completed in six months. It will be longer. Unforeseen costs are sure to appear also. Be ready for all of this.

And now the good news: If you do choose to remodel and are willing to put up the money and endure the inconvenience, you will really enjoy your "new" home for many, many years.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of "Mystery of Color." For design inquiries, write to Rosemary at DsgnQuest@aol.com.